Ten Kuki-Zomi-Hmar Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing grave concerns over the Central Government’s decision to withdraw the 9th and 22nd Battalions of the Assam Rifles from their posts at Kangvai and Kangpokpi.

The MLAs emphasized the critical role these battalions have played in maintaining law and order and preventing further violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. They alleged that the decision to replace Assam Rifles with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units was influenced by communally biased elements within the State Government, who aim to undermine the Assam Rifles’ neutral and effective presence in the region.

Highlighting the potential for increased ethnic violence, the MLAs strongly appealed for either the retention of the current battalions or their replacement with other Assam Rifles units, rather than CRPF personnel. They argued that the continued presence of Assam Rifles is essential for ensuring peace and stability in the buffer zones separating the two communities.

The signatories of the memorandum included MLAs Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu AC), Kimneo Haokip Hangshing (Saikul AC), LM Khaute (Churachandpur AC), Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh AC), Letpao Haokip (Tengnoupal AC), Letzamang Haokip (Henglep AC), Chinlunthang (Singngat AC), Paolenlal Haokip (Saikot AC), Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi AC), and Vungzagin Valte (Thanlon AC).

They fervently requested Prime Minister Modi’s intervention to reconsider or rectify the decision in the interest of justice and community harmony.